You need to budget your spending. This is basic: Step #4 in any program of financial liberation.

These simple spreadsheets are easy to use. They are no-frills budgeting tools. Use either of them before you use a full money management program, whether online or on your computer.

If you don’t like these, there are lots of free budgeting tools on the Web. For a list with brief reviews, click here.

The self-discipline of creating a budget lets you see how much you are spending and on what. You will have to cut spending and/or increase income. This is easier to do when you know what part of your budget is discretionary (such as entertainment) and what isn’t (such as the rent or mortgage payment).